WASHINGTON – The
Commerce Department’s U.S. Census Bureau today released new residential
construction data for April 2010. Permits for new housing units fell
11.5 percent in April, but housing starts rose 5.8 percent. Permits have grown
15.9 percent over the last 12 months, and starts have risen 40.9 percent.

“Monthly housing data is quite volatile, but housing
permits and starts have risen substantially over the past year,” U.S. Commerce
Secretary Gary Locke said. “Employment has begun to increase, and further
economic growth should help sustain home-building activity in the coming months.
But President Obama recognizes that more progress is needed to ensure a
sustained expansion and a job for every American who wants
one.”